THIS WEEK'S GAMES

Sunday

Sep 30, 2007 at 12:01 AMSep 30, 2007 at 10:44 AM

Bears (1-2) at Lions (2-1) 1 p.m.

• Favorite: Bears by 3

Bears (1-2) at Lions (2-1) 1 p.m.

• Favorite: Bears by 3

• The skinny: QB Brian Griese gets his first start for the Bears in place of Rex Grossman and could spark the offense, but the Bears defense is dealing with several injuries (the Bears' minus-6 turnover differential ranks 31st, ahead of only the Saints). Lions WRs Roy Williams and rookie Calvin Johnson are giving opponents fits, and QB Jon Kitna leads the NFL with 980 passing yards and has thrown for six TDs.

Texans (2-1) at Falcons (0-3) 1 p.m.

• Favorite: Texans by 3

• The skinny: The Falcons wouldn't have traded QB Matt Schaub (100.9 passer rating) to the Texans had they had known about Michael Vick's problems earlier. Now they have to beat Schaub, and he plays for the better team.

Jets (1-2) at Bills (0-3) 1 p.m.

• Favorite: Jets by 3 1/2

• The skinny: The Bills have little going on offense (they haven't scored more than 14 points in a game), and the Jets should do enough with the passing of QB Chad Pennington and the running of RB Thomas Jones. Pennington has thrown four TD passes with no interceptions and is second in NFL with a 121.4 passer rating.

Rams (0-3) at Cowboys (3-0) 1 p.m.

• Favorite: Cowboys by 13

• The skinny: Talk about opposites: the Cowboys are one of the NFL's surprises; the Rams, one of the biggest disappointments. The Cowboys' winning margins have grown: 10 in their opener (Giants), then 17 (Dolphins), then 24 (Bears). The Rams are without RB Steven Jackson (groin).

Raiders (1-2) at Dolphins (0-3) 1 p.m.

• Favorite: Dolphins by 4

• The skinny: Both teams have shown they can move the ball but can't stop the other guy. The Dolphins have a better passing game and are ready to break through (two of their three losses have been by three points). Raiders RB LaMont Jordan is second in the NFL with 350 yards rushing.

Packers (3-0) at Vikings (1-2) 1 p.m.

• Favorite: Packers by 1 1/2

• The skinny: The Packers are going for their first 4-0 start since 1998. They often struggle in domes, but the defense should be able to keep the Vikings offense in check. Pack WR Donald Driver is off to a fast start with 20 catches and two TDs.

Buccaneers (2-1) at Panthers (2-1) 4:05 p.m.

• Favorite: Panthers by 3

• The skinny: The Panthers have won seven of the past eight meetings. If Panthers QB Jake Delhomme (elbow) is out, David Carr will get the call. The Bucs have been solid, but it's a tough road assignment. Bucs WR Joey Galloway is off to a good start with 13 catches and two TDs. Panthers WR Steve Smith has averaged 117.5 receiving yards in the past four games vs. the Bucs.

Seahawks (2-1) at 49ers (2-1) 4:05 p.m.

• TV: Fox (Channel 28)

• Favorite: Seahawks by 2

• The skinny: It's a battle for early control of NFC West. Seahawks RB Shaun Alexander has averaged 98.6 yards in the past five games against S.F., and 49ers RB Frank Gore rushed for 356 yards in two games vs. the Seahawks in 2006.

Steelers (3-0) at Cardinals (1-2) 4:15 p.m.

• TV: CBS (Channel 10)

• Favorite: Steelers by 6

• The skinny: Emotion will be on the side of the Cardinals, but the Steelers have been doing everything right, most notably allowing only 26 points all season. RB Willie Parker leads NFL with 368 rushing yards and gains 5 yards per carry.

Broncos (2-1) at Colts (3-0) 4:15 p.m.

• Favorite: Colts by 9 1/2

• The skinny: The Broncos have been putting up yards but not points, not a good formula against the defending Super Bowl champions, who are playing good defense. The Colts are glad to be home -- their past two wins, both on the road, were by a combined eight points.

Chiefs (1-2) at Chargers (1-2) 4:15 p.m.

• Favorite: Chargers by 11 1/2

• The skinny: Reeling from losses at New England and Green Bay, the Chargers are back at home to pick up the pieces. The Chiefs will be a welcome sight. Chargers TE Antonio Gates, second in the NFL with 27 catches, has eight TDs in six games vs. the Chiefs.

Eagles (1-2) at Giants (1-2) 8:15 p.m.

• TV: NBC (Channel 4)

• Favorite: Eagles by 3

• The skinny: The Eagles are banged up heading into this pivotal NFC East game. If RB Brian Westbrook is limited, the Giants should control the game, although they are allowing 32.3 points per game.

Patriots (3-0) at Bengals (1-2) 8:30 p.m. Monday

• TV: ESPN

• Favorite: Patriots by 7

• The skinny: Nobody has come close to the Patriots, and Bengals' generous defense won't be able to contain them. Who will cover WR Randy Moss, who is second in the NFL in receiving yards (403) and is tied for the most TD catches (five)?

-- Terry Bannon

Chicago Tribune

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